Volanti’s plan review tables use electric actuators to provide the lift and tilt functions. The ability to easily position the screen at the right height and angle means users can set the most ergonomic position for the display.
So what is an actuator? An actuator is a device that uses force to create motion, this is typically pneumatic (gas) or hydraulic (liquid) pressure, or as in our case, an electric motor. The actuator we use has an electric motor that turns a spindle (a rod with screw thread) in a nut to move the actuator rod up and down. Here is a cut-away drawing (this is an example drawing, it is not the actuator we use):
There are obviously many more parts to the actuator, for example, gears are also an important part of the design and construction of the actuator.
Electric actuators are certainly powerful enough for our application, for example, the actuator we use for the tilt function is rated for 3500 N, which means it can provide up to 787lb force. The actuators in the legs are rated for 1600 N (360lbf) total.
Another characteristic of an electric actuator is the provision of constant force over the range of travel as well as in both directions.
Newtons & Force
The amount of force an actuator can exert is often given in Newtons (N) but can also be expressed in Pounds Force (lbf), the conversion is:
- 1 N = 0.2248 lbf
- 1 lbf = 4.44822 N
Linak Actuator Academy
Linak, the actuator brand we use, have a collection of videos they call their Actuator Academy to explain the parts of an actuator, https://www.linak.com/segments/techline/actuator-academyindustrial-actuators/
Actuators In Volanti Tables
Our electric plan review tables have three actuators, two for the legs to adjust the height and one for the touch screen display assembly to adjust the tilt angle. The enables users to set the optimum viewing position making for a more ergonomic work environment. Also, as the range of movement for the touch screen display goes from vertical to horizontal the display can be used as a flat touch table that people can stand or sit around or as a presentation display for a group.
I find that for individual use or with two or three people that having the display at an angle of aproximately 45 to 60 degrees from horizontal is ideal. The height really depends on the users.
Control Paddles
From May 2022 we will start adding control paddles to the 65″ models for the lift and tilt function. These make adjustment very intuitive.
